The head coach of Vanuatu Football Etienne Mermer has dedicated today’s win by his senior men’s senior soccer team to the people of Vanuatu, who are recovering from the devastation of two category tropical cyclones in the first three days of March.
Vanuatu have beaten hosts Fiji 2-1, in their first match of the Tri-Nations Friendship Cup tournament, at the Lautoka Churchill Park Stadium today.
Speaking to his team in their changing room, after his interview with the local Fiji media, Coach Mermer said; “I know a lot of families and people back home are still sitting under the rain and sun; but have been praying for us. So I wish to declare that our win today is for them. I do hope that they have heard of the result of our game, and are smiling; and that is what we are here for… to put the smile back on their faces again”, a very happy Coach Etienne Mermer said.
“I was asked by journalists how we have managed to pull out a win after the devastation of our country by two tropical cyclones. But I told them I was sorry we cannot discuss the disasters back home. I told them we had responded to the invitation from the Fiji Football Association to play in the three nations friendly tournament”.
Mr. Mermer said that it would be painful to be discussing the disaster conditions in Vanuatu.
“I’d rather be talking about something positive and focus on our moving forward. I do hope that our win today has come as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our resilient spirit”, Coach Mermer said.
“On Sunday our VFF staff and leaders in Port Vila, had welcome back our VFF President Lambert Maltock following his recent election to another four term in office as President of OFC. Today we beat our neighbors Fiji on their home ground. It is a remarkable and significant result in as far as our ongoing development program is concerned”.
“So I am also dedicating this first win to our VFF and OFC President, our MA leaders throughout Vanuatu, as well as the Vanuatu Football Family”, he said.”
Coach Mermer also thanked his two assistant coaches, Robert Yalou and Wilson August, for their willingness to supporting him in putting the team together, and to travel with him and the team.
“We had had only two days to work with some of these players before we came over to Fiji. I thank you both, and I thank you all the players who have stepped forward at the last minute to represent our country, even though I know our families are recovering from the impact of the cyclones”.
According to the match schedules, the teams will have a two-day rest before Day 2 on Thursday 23 March.
Vanuatu will play Solomon Islands on Thursday.
